Introduced in 1993, the DoubleWood 12 was birthed from a method pioneered by The Balvenie's Malt Master, David Stewart, in 1982—a technique now widely recognized as 'wood finishing'.
To craft The Balvenie DoubleWood, David Stewart MBE begins with whisky aged for at least 12 years in traditional whisky containers, consisting of American Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads. This is subsequently transitioned to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks, where it remains for an added nine months.
Following this, the whisky is shifted to large oak receptacles, known as "tuns", for a period spanning 3-4 months. This crucial step allows the distinct whiskies from separate casks to seamlessly "marry" together.
Owing its unique profile to maturation in dual wood types, The Balvenie DoubleWood single malt whisky imbibes varied attributes at each phase. The conventional casks infuse it with a subtle, delicate character; the sherry wood imparts depth and a rich flavour palette; and the concluding stint in the tuns ensures a harmonious blend of the whiskies.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla.Palate: Smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours ~ nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry.Finish: Long and Warming.
The acclaimed Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky has undergone maturation in three distinct cask varieties.
Starting with American Bourbon, transitioning to Spanish Oloroso Sherry, and culminating in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks, this whisky boasts a rich and intricate profile, teeming with toffee and sherry notes. Three Wood not only serves as an exceptional ingredient in classic cocktails like Auchentoshan & Ale and the Old Fashioned but also stands out as an exquisite dram on its own.
Tasting Note by Auchentoshan:Nose: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin notes are present in our Three Wood.Palate: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity.Finish: A fresh and fruity, smooth whisky with long lasting oaky sweetness.
Aged for a minimum of 12 years. This exceptional single malt is meticulously matured in a blend of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 43% ABV with its natural colour preserved, The GlenDronach 12 Year Old delivers a sweet, creamy experience.
Tasting Note by GlenDronach:Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla, with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled wine and pear.Palate: Rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with medium length and a dry finish.Finish: Long, full and firm, slightly nutty.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a masterful single malt whisky that achieves a harmonious balance by combining the influences of two distinct oak types. It matures in hand-crafted casks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry, with American oak imparting delicate notes of vanilla, citrus, and butterscotch, while European oak contributes the trademark subtle spiciness that defines The Macallan's character. After 15 years of maturation, these two exceptional whiskies come together to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer flavor profile, making it a truly exceptional and harmonious whisky.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Dried fruit, toffee and vanilla with smooth oak and baked apple. Balanced with notes of honey and chocolate.Palate: Sweet raisin and sultana builds with hints of vanilla, wood spice and citrus.Finish: Warm with ginger turning to caramel and citrus, with a lingering and creamy mouth feel.
